Acquisition Reform a Top DOD Priority

Key players in the Defense Department’s commitment to reform its acquisition practices got the spotlight at the Pentagon at the Defense Acquisition Workforce Awards ceremony.

The Defense Department acquisition workforce is responsible for 89 major defense acquisition programs, costing a combined total of nearly $2 trillion. That’s a very significant responsibility, taking care of taxpayer dollars, Ellen M. Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said in her opening remarks.

Undersecretary of Defense

Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord speaks at the Defense Acquisition Achievement Awards ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Feb. 5, 2019.

Acquisition reform is one of the three lines of effort spelled out in the 2018 National Defense Strategy, the other two being lethality and strengthening alliances and partnerships, she noted. Sustainment is the twin to acquisition, she said, noting that 60 to 70 cents on every dollar spent goes toward product or system sustainment over its lifetime after initial purchase.

In summary, reform is about being quicker to ensure get capability downrange to the warfighter at the best price, she said.

Army Lt. Gen. Anthony Ierardi, the Joint Staff’s director of force structure, resources and assessment, said requirements are important at the outset of the development of force capability.

Award Speaker

Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Ierardi, the Joint Staff’s director of force structure, resources and assessment, speaks during the Defense Acquisition Achievement Awards ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Feb. 5, 2019.